Hippocrates once said that “the key to good health rests on having a daily aromatic bath and scented massage". Although now, over two thousand years later, we may recognize that good health cannot be tied to two simple things, unwinding after a long day is certainly a simple pleasure that should not be overlooked. However, life's demands make it difficult to find time to pour a bath every day, never mind fitting in a massage. Fortunately, no masseuse is needed for the benefits of aromatherapy. Essential oils have been helping to lift moods and soothe concerns with inspiriting fragrances for thousands of years.
What is aromatherapy and how exactly does it work? Here's all you need to know about this sensorial experience.
How does aromatherapy work
Although it is now a widely known therapeutic practice, there is still some curiosity surrounding how aromatherapy works. It involves absorbing essential oils into the skin and smelling their fragrance. Essential oils can be diffused into the air through reed or pod diffusers but can also be infused into atmosphere mists, bath and body oils, scrubs and candles. They're made by steaming or pressing the various parts of a plant to capture the natural fragrance.
The different blends from various oils are combined to create a scent that matches a certain mood that you may be feeling. For example, after a long day at work you may want to feel soothed and calmed. In these situations, a blend of Myrrh’s mellow notes with Rose Geranium and Frankincense works well to help ease the mind and restore a sense of tranquility. On the other hand, the Energizing Signature Blend is an enlivening blend of stimulating Peppermint, refreshing Eucalyptus, and clarifying Rosemary, to fight fatigue and recharge the senses.
What are the benefits of aromatherapy
The benefits of aromatherapy can help to relieve some of those daily stresses that we all feel every now and again. Self-care in the form of using aromatherapy oils is something that many turn towards thanks to their uplifting and calming effects on feelings.
For example, the lavender scent is found to be relaxing and is often used to help relieve any built-up tension after a long day and promote a good evening routine before bed. If you struggle with settling down in the evenings, a warm shower with ESPA's Relaxing Salt Scrub is a great way to prepare the body for rest. The skin will feel nourished and hydrated while the aroma of Bay and Lavender radiating off the soft skin will help to calm your senses.
How to use aromatherapy oils
Aromatherapy oils can be used topically or inhaled. The ESPA Aromatherapy Diffuser infuses the air around you with a beautiful aroma to balance your mind and body with a mist to match your mood. Simply remove the ceramic cover and fill the water tank up to the line. Then, add 3-5 drops of the ESPA Signature Blend that best suits your mood, choose your misting mode and slowly breathe in the benefits of the essential oils as they are released into the air in a fragrant vapor.
What's more, atmosphere mists can instantly add comfort to a room. ESPA's Restorative Atmosphere Mist is a blend of Rose Geranium, Sweet Orange, Lavender and Palmarosa. It's known as our “hug in a bottle” blend and a few spritzes around a room can restore a sense of warmth to your environment.
Another way to soothe your surroundings when tensions are running high is to light ESPA's Soothing Candle. The deeply relaxing blend will slow down the rush of the day for a greater feeling of peace. It's infused with our unique Soothing Signature Blend, using a peaceful aroma that combines Myrrh with Sandalwood, Rose Geranium and Frankincense.
On the other hand, aromatherapy oils can be used topically when infused into a body oil, lotion or scrub. When massaged into the skin, the benefits of aromatherapy combine with those that come with a sensorial massage.
Aromatherapy is the you-time you deserve. Light a soothing candle, spray an energizing atmosphere mist or rub a calming body oil onto your pressure points. These small moments of calm throughout the day are the true meaning of what aromatherapy is all about.
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For our guide on how to start your day right by using essential oils, take a look at How to Make Mornings Easier: 3 Top Tips for Starting Your Day.
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